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Local student has shot at Kennedy Center performance

October 10, 2012

The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind reported to Historic City News that one of their students vocalists, Daniel Tanner, a performer in the campus’ musical group OuttaSight, has been selected as one of the state’s finalists in the 6th Annual 2012 VSA Florida Young Soloist Competition.

Since one year after his August 2008 enrollment, Tanner has performed as a vocalist with the school’s band. He participated in the school’s N’Vision choir group starting in the 6th grade and has been a key member of the OuttaSight band as both a lead singer and harmonist since 7th grade.

“Personally, I didn’t think I was going to make it,” Tanner told reporters. “I didn’t get my hopes up too high and was ready to try again.”

Tanner is a high school student in the Blind Department at the state school located in St Augustine; he and his family live in Orlando. He will move on to the VSA International Competition in Washington D.C. later this year.

Daniel is drawn to rhythm and blues and says he wants to make singing a career. “I still need to work more at it,” he said. “My mother says we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.” He is currently learning piano and is interested in recording and radio.

In the international competition, Daniel will compete with other talented musicians from around the world with disabilities, ages 14-25, for an opportunity to earn a VSA International Young Soloists award of $5,000 and performance at The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.

The VSA International Young Soloists program identifies and supports outstanding young musicians in pursuit of a career.

VSA Arts of Florida (the State Organization of Arts and Disability) provides people with disabilities statewide opportunities to learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts.

Daniel, along with the other three finalists, will participate in a pre-concert performance on Saturday, October 20 at 5:45 p.m. at Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg.